The flags of various universities fluttered proudly above the Mercedes Arena.
Salutes echoed, and media outlets mobilized en masse.
Although this was a competition for university students, it also served as a platform for inter-university exchange, hosted by the Modu City Pokémon Association.
Eight arenas, three rounds of 1V1 single battles in total.
Winners from each venue would advance and earn the right to challenge Gym Leader Tang Hui!
During the opening ceremony, Shen Tingzhi stood beside Lu Ye, softly explaining:
"That's the delegation from Qilu University... and behind them is Jianggan University..."
The East Donghuang division featured eight gyms located in Modu, Qilu, Jiangzhe, Bawan, Fuzhou, Suhuai, and other regions.
This open challenge tournament had attracted almost every University in East Donghuang, a testament to the allure of gym badges.
Lu Ye raised an eyebrow. "All these people competing for just 1,000,000 Pokedollars?"
Shen Tingzhi gave him a puzzled glance.
"1,000,000 Pokedollars is just the cherry on top... Isn't the main draw the Modu Badge and the gym's exclusive guide?"
Lu Ye paused, then coughed lightly.
"True... That's what I was thinking too."
Lu Ye's tall figure stood out in the crowd, especially with a fluffy Eevee perched on his shoulder.
From afar, a group of girls chatted playfully, their voices crisp.
"Ah, I want a boyfriend with an Eevee too. Then I could cuddle it all the time!"
"It's so cute... I really want to have one!"
"Vee! (╬￣皿￣)"
Suddenly, a crossmark appeared on Eevee's forehead as it bared its teeth and glared back at the group, silencing the laughter instantly.
Shen Tingzhi whispered, "This event... will probably have quite a few of your fans too."
Lu Ye looked up at the sky.
I understand the sentiment...
Just don't turn it into another exhibition match with my viewers!
---
The VIP Stand
Overlooking the vibrant young crowd, Song Pengcheng, the silver-haired president of the Modu Pokémon Association, nodded with a smile.
"Indeed, the times belong to the youth."
Dressed in loose white robes, the venerable Modu University headmaster Du Yuanshan, with flowing white beard and a genial expression, chuckled as he stroked his beard.
"We were like this too, back in our day. Old horses shouldn't lament the passing of time."
Song Pengcheng shook his head. "Master, compared to you, I still have a long way to go!"
Meanwhile, Gym Leader Tang Hui, dressed in a sharp suit, looked somewhat awkward.
This was supposed to be his open challenge tournament... yet the guests he invited all had higher seniority.
Still, discovering talented Trainers and awarding badges was a cause for celebration!
Lichunhua, the kind and elegant Suhuai Jinling Gym Leader in a cheongsam, said softly: "I wonder if your competition will bring out any outstanding young talents."
Tang Hui laughed. "Most of East Donghuang's Universities are here, and each province's rookies are quite impressive."
"Personally, I'm keeping an eye on Su Yu from Suhuai, Duan Cheng from Qilu, and..."
Tang Hui's gaze slid down the participant list before stopping abruptly.
'Modu University, Lu Ye.'
Seeing this name, Tang Hui immediately thought of Lu Ye's unique tactical style and coughed hard.
Song Pengcheng's expression also turned peculiar.
Lu Ye had close ties with Sinnoh's Champion, and his strength remained an enigma—he'd never been defeated.
Though recommended by Modu University, Lu Ye's participation in this type of competition seemed... off.
Song Pengcheng cleared his throat.
"This student from Modu University... Headmaster Du probably knows him best."
Du Yuanshan stroked his beard, smiling broadly.
He'd first heard of Lu Ye from Grandma Wu at Modu University's Breeding House.
Lu Ye had earned her approval and even won over her unusually gifted Squirtle.
With Squirtle's talent, securing a top spot wouldn't be difficult.
Perhaps... this Squirtle might be Lu Ye's ultimate ace!
Du Yuanshan chuckled.
"Lu Ye, from the Finance Department, is quite the anomaly!"
The other elders, unfamiliar with Bilibili, weren't aware of Lu Ye's fame.
Tang Hui adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, thinking wryly:
An anomaly, indeed... His tactical videos are praised across alliances!
Still, no matter how brilliant the tactics, a Trainer's success hinges on their Pokémon.
Tang Hui scanned the crowd, his eyes landing on Modu University's team.
At the same time, Lichunhua pointed at Lu Ye and smiled.
"That young man… quite remarkable!"
---
Post-Ceremony: Drawing Lots
After the opening ceremony, the draw divided participants into groups, and the first-round matches began.
Modu University's trio were placed in different groups. Han Xiaoxiao pumped her fists in excitement.
"Teacher Lu, go, go, go!"
Yawning, Lu Ye waved lazily at the crowd, shouldering his Eevee as he headed to the battlefield.
"Are you up for it later?" he asked the Eevee on his shoulder.
"Vee!" Eevee curled into a ball, clearly uninterested.
The opponents here were so weak that they couldn't even pique its interest.
Lu Ye scratched his chin thoughtfully.
If Haunter battled, its Toxic might end up costing him medical fees for the opponent.
After deliberating, he decided to send out Squirtle instead. But trusting Squirtle was another matter entirely.
"What if it learns a new move mid-battle...?" Lu Ye's face turned complicated.
"Will Sister Liu even let me rent another place if that happens...?"
With a long sigh, Lu Ye released Squirtle from its Poké Ball.
"Squirt?" Squirtle scratched its head.
"Be careful out there..." Lu Ye hesitated before continuing.
What he really wanted to say was, don't wreck the field again...
But since repair fees wouldn't come out of his pocket, Squirtle's safety took priority.
Patting Squirtle's shoulder, Lu Ye smiled.
"Go ahead. Eevee and Haunter have your back!"
Eevee & Haunter: (´･ω･)ﾉ(._.`) pat pat
"Squirtle..." Squirtle froze for a moment.
Its eyes reddened slightly, and after wiping them, it donned a pair of sunglasses, giving Lu Ye a thumbs-up.
"Squirtle!ヾ(⌐■_■)"
Your ambitions are now in my capable hands!
---
Group A, First Round
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first-round match of Group A!"
Cheers erupted, filling the packed arena.
Spectators, media, and participants focused their attention on the battlefield, where the rookie champion of Qilu stood tall.
A towering man with a stern face, arms crossed, exuded an air of undeniable strength.
The announcer's voice boomed: "Duan Cheng, the champion of Qilu's rookie tournament, started with an Onix and already holds a Qilu Badge!"
As the cornerstone of Qilu's delegation, Duan Cheng bore the mission of bringing glory to his university.
He was also considered a strong contender for the Modu Badge.
After all, Duan Cheng was one of the few competitors who already possessed a gym badge!
"And on the red side, representing Modu University... um..."
The announcer hesitated.
"A student from... the Finance Department?"
However, as soon as this unique introduction echoed through the arena...
The crowd exploded with excitement.